DENR stops hauling operations in Kalunasan for lack of permits

The Mines and Geo-Sciences Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-7 has ordered the temporary stoppage of hauling operation in one of the site developments of lawyer Fernando San Ramon in barangay Kalunasan, Cebu City for alleged lack of permit from different government agencies.

Engr. Edward Malahay, mining engineer of MGB who was tasked to verify the reported quarrying operation in lower Kalunasan, said they found some violations committed by the owner of the site development.

Among the violations committed by the hauler operator and owner of the development are the lack of special disposal permit and hauling permit requirements. This is also aside from the lack of Environmental Compliance Certificate from DENR.

"For the meantime, ato lang una ipa-hold ni. As to the extent of the penalties, dili pa nato ma-determine until mahuman ang among report pero this is purely administrative liabilities," Malahay said. The hauling operation started last December 1 and a temporary stoppage was ordered after members of the barangay council complained to DENR and to the Cebu City government that the development allegedly endangers residents nearby.

"Kami wala gyud mi problema sa project ilabi na gyud kun maoy gusto sa taga dinhi, but the problem wala gyud ni public hearing sa taga lower Kalunasan unya lisod kaayo kun atong ipadayon," Anadie Teo, barangay councilman of Kalunasan, said.

Elizabeth Diano, caretaker of the hauler operation in said area, denied the allegation that they lack certain requirements. However, she blamed members of the barangay council in Kalunasan for "making things hard for them."

"Ang problema ani kay ni-demand man gyud na sila (mga members of the barangay council) nga mangayo sila og tag P100 matag truck maka-haul og anapog, pero nibalibad mi kay ang among makaya tag-P50 lang matag truck," Diano said.

An average of 50 truckloads are hauled from the site everyday. But councilor Edilito Mabano also denied Diano's allegation saying it was just a counter allegation after the majority of the council opposed the hauling operation in said area.

Mabano said it was Diano and her group who threatened him that "something will happen to him after opposing said project." - Ramil V. Ayuman/MEEV